Released on December 1, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan will make important progress toward the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth goal of increasing the cap on provincial nominees through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).The provincial immigrant nominee cap that is set by the federal government will increase to 5,500 nominations in 2015 – a 16 per cent increase over 2014. The 775 additional nominations will help address current labour market shortages and will be made through the SINP’s new Saskatchewan Express Entry category. The criteria for the new category will be announced January 2, 2015, in conjunction with the launch of the Government of Canada’s new Express Entry application system. The SINP will begin to accept applications under the category in early 2015.
“We expect this new category to provide significant benefits not only for highly-skilled immigrants to this province, but for our business community and our economy,” Minister responsible for Immigration Jeremy Harrison said. “The benefits include faster federal processing of permanent residence applications, and a new avenue for businesses looking to fill critical labour market shortages through the recruitment of foreign workers.”
The Government of Canada’s new Express Entry application system will enable the federal government to select candidates from a pool of immigrant candidates and invite them to apply for permanent residence.
Through the Saskatchewan Express Entry category, prospective immigrants who have been accepted into the federal Express Entry pool can apply to the SINP for a provincial nomination. Those who obtain a nomination will receive additional Express Entry points in the ranking system, which will result in them getting an invitation to apply for permanent residency, provided federal processing targets have not been met.
“Immigration continues to play a critical role in developing Saskatchewan’s labour market and keeping Saskatchewan strong,” Harrison said. “These nominees will have post-secondary education and high-skilled work experience, as well as other qualifications that will help them to successfully settle in and contribute to our communities.”
It is expected that the 5,500 persons nominated in 2015 will result in approximately 14,000 new residents to the province when their spouses and children are accounted for.
For more information on the Saskatchewan Express Entry criteria and application process, visit www.economy.gov.sk.ca/immigration/express-entry.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca